Operations Management and Its Applications

This assignment delves into the realm of operations management, a crucial aspect of business that focuses on creating value by optimizing processes, systems, and resources. The study guide covers various aspects of operations management, including its history, key concepts, applications in different industries such as energy, transportation, and food, as well as its importance in modern business practices. It also provides an overview of the operations management system, its operation and control, and the role of technology in this field. By exploring these topics, students can gain a deeper understanding of how operations management contributes to the success of businesses and organizations.

Management and Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1 ...........................................................................................................................................1
P1. Functions and role of modern managers and leaders.......................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P2. Role of managers and leaders in various situational context...........................................3
P3. Different theories and models of approaches including various type of leadership........4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................5
P4. Key approaches of operational management and the role of leaders and managers........5
P5. Importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives.......7
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
P6. Impact of business environment on operational management and decision making process
................................................................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
In current scenario, managing operations department of a company becomes a vital for
longer sustainability at marketplace. Most firms main aim is to achieve desired goals and
objectives in order to make profit (What is Operations Management?. 2018). Here, operational
management can be understood as inputting required materials, resources, capital, manpower and
etcetera in order to make final goods and services. Along with this, productivity and profitability
can be raised by administration if an organisation keeps on locating all the needs and wants of
their consumers and manufacture products and services. Toyota Plc which is one of biggest auto-
mobile manufacturer that is serving their services in all over world has been taken under this
report. In 1933, Kiichiro Toyoda found it and named as Toyoda Automatic Loom Works and in
the year of 1937 its name got changed as Toyota Motor Co. At current time 364,445 workers are
delivering their services to customers. Along with this, assignment will working of managers and
leaders by using different approaches in order to pull out favourable conditions for Toyota Plc.
TASK 1
P1. Functions and role of modern managers and leaders
Leader is the person in a company who supports, leads subordinates and helps them in
hitting their targets in a specific time of period. Along with this, there are number of
responsibilities that a leader have while working in an organisation. Motivating, supporting,
guides and directs are some of things which is being done by administration in order to make
staff members more effective in nature as workplace (Botton, Cavalletto, and Marmeggi, 2013).
On the other hand, manager in an organisation is said to be an individual who looks forward to
manage all the activities that are related to operations of firm in order to hit targets in a shorter
period of time. Some functions of managers are staffing, organising, planning and monitoring
features which should be done on a regular basis at workplace. Thus, they both have different
duties in Toyota Plc but keeps a common goal and that is bettering the position of company at
marketplace. Toyota Plc, manufactures fuel efficient, sports and luxury cars in order to grab
attention of most of consumers.
Leaders and their role:
According to John Maxwell, Leaders do influences others and do nothing more, nothing
less. Leaders works as a person who marshals his subordinates and collaborates with them to
achieve particular goals and objectives.
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As per J. Kotter, leaders brings alterations in company in order to make it more efficient.
Some specific roles are mentioned beneath of leaders:
Provide Directions : In Toyota Plc, leaders directs their employees so that they can better
understand the process or tasks. Away from this, directions can be given through out whole
manufacturing process of cars where subordinates can get support from their leaders in order to
pull out best results.
Align People : This is one of the main role of leaders where they decide all the actions
and assign tasks to individuals as per their capabilities and requirements. Communication in
between employer and employees should be done in an appropriate manner (Expósito and et. al.,
2016). Along with this, in Toyota Plc leaders takes suggestion from their team members while
making determinations.
Motivate : This has been located that motivation can be given to employees by leaders by
various ways. Compensating staff members with money, appreciating them for their good work
and supporting them emotionally are some of motivating activities that can be done by a modern
leader in
Managers and their functions:
As per Peterson and Plowman, management can be known as process through which
aims and objectives of an individual and of group can be set through ample number of
clarifications and effectuation.
According to George R. Terry, management consists of planning, organising, actuating
and controlling; and can be used by implementing science and art, so that targets can be
achieved.
Few functions of managers are given below:
Planning: Toyota Plc's management should keep on locating various ways in which
benefits can be gained in an appropriate manner by making effective plans.
Organise: This element is considered as one of the most important one of a manager of
Toyota Plc. At initial level, management formulates a plan and then assign jobs to every single
individual as per requirements (Eyal and Haim, Clarizen Ltd., 2014). Under this point, it is
important for managers to locate weaknesses and strong points of workers and by this he/she can
give tasks to them as per their capabilities.
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Coordinating and controlling: Forming plans, giving assignments and then this part
comes up where managers keeps their eye on employees working. If they are not working in an
appropriate way then it is their duty to pull staff members back on track so that desired goals can
get achieved with efficiency.
Difference and similarities of both leaders and managers:
 It has been analysed that both leaders and managers have different responsibilities but
works to attain common goals of the company.
 Both supervisors keeps on motivating firms employees so that they can achieve their
own targets in much more effective ways.
 Major difference in between both of them are that mostly leaders looks forward to bring
alterations in operations of firm and managers directly hit their targets
TASK 2
P2. Role of managers and leaders in various situational context
As compared to other firms, Toyota Plc's comes at 6th number that generates high revenue
in all over world. This has been done by continuous hard work of both leaders and managers.
Apart from this, they work by using difference approaches and strategies so that firm's goals and
objectives can be grabbed right on time.
Leaders and managers plays different role in many conditions are as follows:
Democratic leader: This is a participative kind of leadership in which managers ask for
input from others in order ton take decisions. They take final decisions on the basis of those
inputs. Employees feel high level of job satisfaction under this style.
Autocratic leader: These leaders make their decisions alone. They do not require input of
others in taking decisions. They have high powers & impose their will on others. Decisions of
these leaders are challenged by no one.
Transformational leadership: This leadership rely on high communication level from
management in order to meet goals. Leaders, by their effective communication skills as well as
high visibility, motivate their workforce and productivity & efficiency.
Stability in nature : This is the phase where both leaders and managers do not try to
adapt any updates that they are facing which has came at marketplace. But, as Toyota Plc
belongs to an auto-mobile sector so they have to keep on locating all the modifications that has
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been made by government of different countries (Handschin and Petroianu, 2012). With the help
of this, Toyota Plc can develop its image in positive way in front of their consumers.
Lower to an average situation : Toyota Plc can improve its goodwill by manufacturing
cars as per requirements of end users. In China, people mostly uses innovative products like cars
with unique features. Thus, this geographical area can be considered as a target for Toyota Plc
through profitability can get enhanced. It may be possible that at initial level people of china may
not belief in their products and for that they have to enhance quality of cars.
Fast changing situation : When European union pushed out UK in 2016 that grabbed
attention of most of people as they were going to invest in a brand new economy. Toyota Plc,
can easily grab market if they will serve there consumers with quality cars in an appropriate
manner.
Impact on Toyota's organisational conditions and functions of managers:
Toyota Plc, is already have huge name in all around globe. Thus, they keep on attracting
investors without even putting any efforts. But, situations that can arose problem for Toyota Plc
that are related to digitalisation, changes in employee legislations at international level and etc.
here, it is mandatory for management to keep on giving training to individuals in order to
enhance their both skills and knowledge.
Away from this, there are some style of leadership given below:
Directing: Showing ways through which team members or individual can improve its
production can be stated as directing leadership style.
Supporting style : Under this type of style, leaders collaborates with their subordinates
and helps them in giving ideas through which team members becomes more effective in nature at
workplace. New tools and techniques brings fears with it in company. Thus, it is important for
employer to make employees familiar with new updates. This can be done by leaders and by this
goals and objectives can get attained in both effective and efficient manner (Johnstone, 2016).
Participation : Leaders should be friendly in nature and take part in executing plans or
implementing them with staff members. With the help of this, motivation can be given to
employees and suggestions can be taken from them in decision making process.
Goal oriented : Hitting leaders own target in a given period of time will influence his/her
team mates. Apart from this, modern leaders mostly uses unique strategies and find ways so that
they can work in smarter ways.
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Mostly in current era, modern leaders uses participative type of style. By this, they can
share their own thoughts with its team members. Healthy environment can bring up unique ideas
in people's mind so that effective decisions can be taken by leaders of Toyota Plc.
P3. Different theories and models of approaches including various type of leadership
Leading staff members in an appropriate manner is one of the responsibility of a leader
from many. In context to this, Toyota's leaders knows that marketplace is dynamic in nature.
Thus, to understand the situation which is running in business world they uses many approaches
and strategies (Liu, Yin and Fu, 2011). By this, objectives and goals can get achieved right on
time. Trends and taste of people gets altered from time to time. Sustainability can get enhanced
at marketplace by using strategies and hypothesis.
Many theories are comprehended beneath:
Hersey and Blenchard Theory: The theory was proposed by Paul Hersey and Ken
Blanchard that is based on the assumption that there is no single leadership style that is best
among others. This theory states that a good leader is the one who selects leadership style as per
the given situation. It has been believed that when a leader is conforming leadership style as per
the prevailing situation in the workplace chance of accomplishment of goals tremendously
increases. When a leader is able to to successfully mold their approaches, great relationship
builds among them and their followers.
Advantages:
 It is easy to use and simple in nature
 It aid in determining the need for flexibility This theory has an intuitive appeal
Disadvantages:
 This model can divert leader's focus
 Leads to conflict between leader and their followers This model inter-personal relationship within work groups that can have adverse or
negative impact on employee performance
Situational leadership : Kenneth Blanchard and Paul Hersey propounded this theory.
This hypothesis states that modifications should be made at workstation if it is essential. With the
help of this, profits can be gained at maximum level if changes is being made right on time.
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Systems leadership approach : This concept was formed so that task can get achieved by
following a systematic way (White, 2016). Under this, leaders fixes some rules, regulations and
per-forma as well in order to give tasks to individual in an appropriate manner. Here, leaders
needs to locate all the points that are related to their subordinates.
Contingency approach : This approach is much similar to situational leadership style and
works in same sort of manner. Continuous modifications that can help leaders to achieve goals
and objectives. In modern era, firms like Toyota Plc uses this type of approach.
Management by objectives : One of the finest approach, that can be used by leaders so
that aims can get attained (Mendis, Muttaqi and Perera, 2014). Along with this, hitting targets
for a longer period of time is most of firms requirement in order to make favourable conditions
for Toyota Plc at international market.
Requirement of consumers can be fulfilled by leaders and management of Toyota Plc.
Approaches and theories are their that can be used by them so that targets can get hit of
administration. Along with this, it is important to locate the best strategy from many which will
help in developing profitability and productivity of Toyota Plc.
TASK 3
P4. Key approaches of operational management and the role of leaders and managers
Operational management is one of the important element for a company as they provides
basic required materials for manufacturing their goods in a better way. It includes raw materials,
resources, capitals etc. Other than this managers and leaders are performing their jobs
respectively in order to provide maximum profits to their firm. Toyota is a renowned company
and know for giving best quality cars to their customers (Moghaddam, Seifi and Niknam, 2012).
Apart from this they are working on making changes in their products as per the needs and wants
of customers so that firm can gain loyalty of consumers. For example: Toyota is manufacturing
cars for both small and medium level customers and company is growing gradually getting its
place better. Some of the objectives that is related to management is mentioned below:
Total Quality Management (TQM): This make sure that products which are produced is
are best in quality by which company can gain maximum profits. Toyota is making alterations on
a regular basis so that they can increase the sales and productivity level (Strande and Brdjanovic,
2014). This method assist an organisation to satisfy all the needs and wants of their clients in
order to achieve the set targets. For example: Toyota is conducting a small exam in recruitment
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process so that they can select suitable candidates for their company who will give them better
outcomes.
Six Sigma: This theory is used in order to control quality, it is improving the
performance of Toyota since Six Sigma was introduced. It is helping the organisation in
eliminating defective products so that they can give best quality products to their customers.
Thus, by applying Toyota is enhancing the performance and productivity by minimising errors
which can hamper the production process.
Just-in-time: This is the approach that assist a company in producing goods on time,
which enables Toyota in delivering the cars right on time (Moghaddam and et. al., 2011). For
this managers and leaders are boosting their employees to work effectively in order to get set
targets.
Continuous improvement (Kaizen): In order to sustain in the market for a longer period
of time company must work according to the present market situation. For this they are using
latest tools and techniques that is giving them maximum profits and gradually increasing their
market shares and values as well. For example: Toyota is making changes in terms of safety as
they are applying six air bags system to make their customers protective from any kind of
damage.
Lean production: This approach is considered when firms wants to make maximum
profits and minimise wastage so that they can sustain the limited resources for long period of
time (Mohammadi and et. al., 2013). Toyota is very concern about not wasting materials and
products which are manufactured by them are giving them benefits.
Along with this, there are ample number of approaches of leadership that can be used by
an effective leader so that benefits can be gained in an appropriate manner. Democratic style can
help Toyota's employees in giving suggestions to employers so that goals and objectives of their
own can be attained right on time. Away from this, transformational and autocratic leadership
styles aid in different ways that are being considered by management in an appropriate way.
P5. Importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives
Effective operational administration of a company can help firms in creating favourable
conditions for them. Leaders looks for making alterations in manufacturing process in order to
enhance production of Toyota Plc. On the other hand, management brings up those changes in
process and manages all activities so that desired goal can get achieved. Along with this,
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managers also gives or assigns tasks to every single individual at workplace and gives them
training so that they become more effective at workplace (Nakamura and et. al., 2015). Away
from this, skills can get improved by both leaders and managers of Toyota Plc. Operational
management gives firms to understand human needs and current trends. By this, proper
modifications can be made by them in their products and services that there are delivering at
marketplace. By this, Toyota Plc can sustain at marketplace for a longer period of time than
expected.
Few importance of this context are mentioned below:
Maintain quality : Operational management gives opportunities to firm to enhance their
productivity by locating needs and wants of consumers. This can be done by doing continuous
research of society. Satisfaction level of customers can be raised by Toyota Plc by delivering
them cars according to their requirement.
Minimization of waste : This is one of the aim that should be considered by every single
management. Along with this, strategies and process can be used in order to lesser the wastages
from manufacturing sector of Toyota Plc.
Effective and efficient work : Planning of training and development programmes can be
made by both leaders and management in order to give proper training to every single individual
of Toyota Plc. With the help of this, Toyota Plc's members becomes more effective and
confident at workplace and try to hit their targets by their own in more shorter period of time.
Enhance productivity : Effective operations management can help Toyota Plc in
grabbing attention of most of consumers. Thus, sales of products will automatically is going to
get raised. Lastly, firm can enhance its profitability level by providing quality cars and services
to clients in a continuous manner.
Enhance the sales : Sale will get upraised if management will work accordingly in order
to fulfil needs of their clients.
Maximisation of profit : Operational management of Toyota Plc should make alterations
in order to improve their profitability.
Satisfaction to clients : Delivering satisfaction to utmost level to consumers will help
firms to develop belief in mind of their clients.
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Toyota Plc can increase their productivity and profitability by continuously locating
requirements of their consumers. Apart from this, fulfilment of this may lead firm to develop or
enhance their goodwill and brand image.
TASK 4
P6. Impact of business environment on operational management and decision making process
Delivering quality goods and services to consumers is aim of most of companies in
today's market. With the help of this, sustainability can get raised. It has been located that there
are ample number of factors which can put impact on operational management (Shuxin, 2011).
These effects can be both in nature positive or negative. It has been located that there are many
internal and external elements that can help in decision making process of both leaders and
mangers. Fsome elements are mentioned beneath:
Corporate social responsibility(CSR): Toyota Plc is said to be high brand which is being
used by large number of people all over world. It is also mandatory for Toyota Plc to locate all
the activities that are related to building up their belief in society (Ruiz-Alvarez and et. al.,
2012). In every quarter, they keep on doing many sort of activities that are developing their
goodwill in front of society.
Sustainability: Heavy brand image can help firms to sustain at marketplace for a longer
period of time. Quality production of cars will keep interest of consumers in their products.
Stakeholders: A stakeholder can be anyone employee of Toyota plc, government,
directors of company and etc. at the time of making decisions leaders and managers should make
it while keeping them in their minds.
Intrapreneurship: Directors of Toyota Plc can be known as intrapreneurship. They are
the person who formulates plans, rules and regulations. Positive employee relations can help
firms in creating a healthy environment.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussed project, it have been concluded that management and leaders
both have different duties but work for same goals and that is hitting targets. By this, firms can
develop their goodwill and brand image in front of society. An effective leader or manager's
completes his/her task so that firm can make most of profit. In bettering the environment, there
are ample number of strategies and approaches that can be used by supervisors. Away from this,
workers can help them in making appropriate decisions or determinations. Operations
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management of a company should adapt alterations if they can improve so that productivity can
get raised. Continuation of this process may lead firm to give competition to the competitors.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journal
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Handschin, E. and Petroianu, A., 2012. Energy management systems: operation and control of
electric energy transmission systems. Springer Science & Business Media.
Johnstone, S., 2016. Labour and Management Co-operation: Workplace Partnership in UK
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industry green supply chain management and operation process. Asian Agricultural
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Mendis, N., Muttaqi, K. M. and Perera, S., 2014. Management of battery-supercapacitor hybrid
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Sustainable Energy Reviews. 16(2). pp.1268-1281.
Moghaddam, A.A., and et. al., 2011. Multi-objective operation management of a renewable MG
(micro-grid) with back-up micro-turbine/fuel cell/battery hybrid power source. Energy.
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Mohammadi, S., and et. al., 2013. An Adaptive Modified Firefly Optimisation Algorithm based
on Hong's Point Estimate Method to optimal operation management in a microgrid with
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Nakamura, T., and et. al., 2015. Operation management apparatus, operation management
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Ruiz-Alvarez, A., and et. al., 2012. Operation of a utility connected microgrid using an IEC
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Shuxin, A., 2011. The Management and Operation Mechanism of Overseas Think Tank and Its
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White, P., 2016. Public transport: its planning, management and operation. Taylor & Francis.
Online
What is Operations Management?. 2018. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.topmba.com/mba-programs/what-operations-management>.
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